Shadows and Hope: An Indoraptor Story ✓

Into the Unknown West

"Boss," Marian's voice came, and Wu looked up from his paperwork. "Yes?" the Doctor replied. Marian handed him the files that Chan had sent her. "Chan and his team are still on the trail of the raptor. They found a dead hyena on the outskirts of the western forest. A bite to the ankle killed it."

Wu studied the pictures that had been taken and thought long and hard. "Should we proceed? It looks like the creature is heading this way," said Marian. We looked up at another door that only he could access. "Are the other experiments ready?" he asked. Marian furrowed her brow. "Not quite, boss. They still need a blood sample from Blue and the Indoraptor. But our men aren't fast enough. Even though he's injured, he's moving at a speed as if he knows he's being chased." Wu sighed and picked up his papers again. "Send out more men and have them wait for him in the woods around Palo Alto." Marian nodded and left. 

Wu stared at Parinee momentarily before getting up and walking towards the secret door he opened. Inside, a whole lab was already in full swing. Many scientists and assistants were moving around, and bodies of hyenas were being cremated while jars filled with animals needed for the research were seen all around.

"Chief," greets head doctor Mils. Wu nods at him. "How's the process going?" Mils shakes his head. "Everything seems to be going as planned, but there's something we're missing, something only you can provide us with." Wu sighs. "We're working on finding it now," he says. Mils shakes his head again. "Not that; we need a different type of DNA to give these creations powers like no other. I think you know what I mean, Chief." Wu looks at Mils for a while before brightening up. "But they've been dead for so long, there's only a fossil left," he says. Mils snort. "As if you haven't created dinosaurs from old bones before, Doctor. It's just what we need, I promise."

Wu sighs and nods before leaving the lab. He must do anything to save humanity because Palo Alto is the only place humans are left for now. And he doesn't want to die at the hands of an ancient monster.

- ❇ -

One claw after the other, and I am still not reaching the West. However, I have started to catch a glimpse of the tall mountains made of pure sand that are said to be the landmark of the West. It has been days since the encounter with the dog, yet I still haven't forgiven myself. My mind keeps nagging me, telling me that I am a killer from the moment I am born, and not even a small, insignificant hyena can change that. But I still feel the guilt tearing and ripping me apart. I know that it will never let go.

You will never be rid of me either, my thoughts say, and I growl. I know, but it is my choice whether I listen to you speak or block you out, I replied.

After that, my mind was soothed, and I was granted tranquility for now. I proceeded onward, the scorching California sun relentlessly bearing down on my scales, causing them to turn to charcoal. I am aware that unless I come across a source of water, I will inevitably succumb to dehydration and perish. Nevertheless, I must persist.

Suddenly, trickling water filled my ears, and I snapped to attention, no longer moving like a drunken reptile. I was incredulous, thinking to myself, What? There's no way there's water out here! There isn't even a forest! But I received no answer, so I had to investigate for myself. I trudged toward the source of the sound but stopped halfway when the tangy, sweet smell of blood entered my nostrils, causing me to recoil. This was not water, but a blood fountain, and a speared bird was the source.

I recoiled in disgust and forcefully shook the graphic image from my mind before turning away, refraining from taking another whiff of the discarded object. I did not question why a spear was present amid a desert.

After another hour of walking, I finally collapsed onto the hot, dry earth beneath the scorching sun that seared my flesh. I could no longer continue; I had nothing left to fight for. Yes, you have, my mind growled. You have your life to fight for and justice against Wu, who has done nothing but torment you. So get up, old friend, and show the world that an Indoraptor will not succumb to humanity!

I did not heed the advice. Rather, I allowed my eyelids to drift closed and let the scorching sun engulf me in her embrace, welcoming death again.

- ❇ -

My mind hissed, You love to give me the scare, don't you? I blinked my eyes open but didn't answer. Instead, I pondered why I had survived the heat when it was overwhelming. You aren't designed to die that easily, Ripper, my mind spoke again. 'You are meant to combat any human insignificance; therefore, you are intended to survive heat strokes. Now, get up and get some proper rest again. We are nearing Palto Alto.

I complied with his instructions, rising to my feet on unsteady talons, my tail swishing from side to side to help me maintain my balance. I then walked towards the nearest blurry outline of shrubbery in the distance. Despite feeling parched and desperately in need of water, I knew there was no water source available there unless I resorted to consuming the bushes containing some form of liquid.

I proceeded to rest under the shelter of the shrubbery as intended, curling up to bask in its shade. From my vantage point, I observed that the vultures circled above the sky again. A pool of saliva accumulated in my mouth, and my stomach churned. Having gone days without sustenance, my body needed nourishment, as all living organisms require food within no more than five days.

With a sense of renewed vigor, I gathered my strength and continued on my path, away from the refuge of the shadows and back into the blazing heat of the sun. My hunger consumed me, leaving me unable to care for the dangers ahead. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon the source of the vultures' interest: a bison carcass. Although finding a living creature in this barren land was strange, I took what I could get and tore it into the fresh meat. The taste of the meat was a delight to my senses, and the feeling of strength coursing through my veins was invigorating. Finally able to eat again, I relished in the sensation of sustenance, savoring every bite.

After consuming the bison, I cleaned my chops of blood and returned to the shadow of the shrubbery. The day was aging, and soon the night would set in. Although walking on a cool night would have been more comfortable, I decided to rest for now.

After sating my hunger, I assumed a comfortable position and gradually succumbed to the soothing embrace of sleep.